Maritime & Safety Focus: On World Maritime Day, the Saint Lucia Chamber of Shipping says new, safe, efficient ports and stronger maritime rules are urgent after deadly west-coast collisions this year, with shipping vital to food, medicines and construction imports. Health Access in Castries: A Deaf Health Fair at Derek Walcott Square brought hearing screenings, Ministry of Health info and basic sign language, warning that everyday loud noise can quietly damage hearing. Sports & National Pride: Government says plans for a statue honouring Olympic champion Julien Alfred have entered advanced planning and design, with a site secured near the Julien Alfred Highway and concepts under review. Football Roadmap: SLFA’s new technical director Miran Louis says the senior men’s team will compete in the CONCACAF Nations League and push stronger infrastructure while integrating overseas-based talent. UNGA Diplomacy: Prime Minister Philip J Pierre heads to the UN General Assembly to deliver Saint Lucia’s national statement and meet the diaspora, while Foreign Minister Alva Baptiste and India’s Jaishankar press for UN Security Council reform. Regional Policy Talks: EU and CELAC ministers backed a roadmap on security, trade and digital cooperation, with transnational crime a key priority. Visa Processing Pressure: A lawyer flags that US visa processing pauses were overturned in court, but many applicants across 75 countries still face delays and missed deadlines. Tourism Spotlight: Saint Lucia was named No. 1 Island on Expedia’s 2026 Hot List, with Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire accepting the award.